Clifton Heights Directory 2024

20 2024 | Clifton Heights-Clayton-Tamm Community Directory Plant a Tree! We can improve the desirability of living in our neighborhood by planting trees. The majority of people find tree-lined neighborhood streets appealing and consider the presence of trees a plus when deciding where to live. The Arbor Day Foundation lists the following benefits of trees: • Property values can increase by as much as 20 percent • The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day • If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3 percent lower. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12 percent A report from the University of Washington concluded that property crimes in residential neighborhoods were less frequent when there were trees in the right- of-way and more abundant vegetation around a house. In addition, according to the city of St. Louis Forestry Department’s Tree Section, a study found our street trees provide $4.3 million in benefits every year, or about $60 per tree. Benefits include energy savings, storm water reduction, aesthetics, air cleansing, and other benefits. The Tree Section is responsible for more than 80,000 street trees and another 25,000 trees in city parks. Free Trees You can request free trees from the city Forestry Department for the parking strip or “tree lawn” in front of your house as long as the strip is at least 3 feet wide. You can select from a wide variety of ornamental or native trees with great fall color. To request trees and learn how to care for them, go to stlouis-mo.gov and search for “Tree section” or contact the Citizens’ Service Bureau at 314-622-4800 In addition, the Missouri Department of Conservation provides free seedlings. Call 573-674-3229 for a catalog of available trees or go to mdc.mo.gov to see the list and order online. Increase your property value and enhance our neighborhood for years to come. Plant a tree!